Sustainable Development

Definition

Sustainable development refers to a holistic approach to growth and progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity. It advocates for responsible use of resources and includes considerations of how communities can thrive while protecting natural ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sustainable development emerged as a concept in the 1980s, primarily popularized by the Brundtland Commission's report 'Our Common Future'.
2. It recognizes that environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic growth are interconnected issues that must be addressed together.
3. Sustainable development goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations consist of 17 global goals designed to tackle various social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030.
4. The concept encourages practices like renewable energy use, sustainable agriculture, and waste reduction to promote long-term ecological health.
5. Environmental justice plays a crucial role in sustainable development by addressing inequalities in how environmental burdens and benefits are distributed among different communities.

Review Questions

• How does sustainable development address the relationship between economic growth and environmental protection?
  • Sustainable development emphasizes that economic growth should not come at the expense of environmental degradation. Instead, it advocates for an integrated approach where both can coexist. This means promoting practices that allow for economic advancement while also ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly and conserved for future generations. The aim is to create a resilient economy that supports both people and the planet.
• Discuss the role of social equity in achieving sustainable development and its importance in addressing environmental justice.
  • Social equity is vital to sustainable development because it ensures that all communities have access to resources and opportunities necessary for a healthy life. This concept ties closely with environmental justice, which focuses on rectifying disparities in how environmental harms are distributed. By prioritizing social equity, sustainable development seeks to empower marginalized communities and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes related to resource management and environmental policies.
• Evaluate the challenges faced in implementing sustainable development practices globally and suggest potential solutions.
  • Implementing sustainable development practices faces numerous challenges, such as political resistance, lack of funding, and differing priorities among nations. Furthermore, there can be significant disparities in resources and capabilities between developed and developing countries. To address these challenges, potential solutions include fostering international cooperation through funding mechanisms for sustainability projects, creating policies that incentivize green technologies, and ensuring inclusive participation from all community stakeholders in planning and implementation efforts.

Related terms

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans derive from healthy ecosystems, including clean air, water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

Green Economy: An economic model that aims to reduce environmental risks and ecological scarcities while promoting sustainable development without degrading the environment.

Social Equity: The fair distribution of resources and opportunities within a society, ensuring that all individuals have access to the benefits of sustainable development.